The family of Barbara Gae Christensen Coffee, her associates at San Jose State University, her neighbors whom she loved and her many friends in California and Utah lost a loving and cherished sister and companion when she was suddenly called home August 20, 1995.
The youngest of six children, she was born March 31, 1932, in Richfield, to Henry Ludwick and Louise Isabell Mortensen Christensen. She graduated valedictorian from Richfield High School in 1950. She received her bachelor of science degree, graduating with honors, from the University of Utah in 1954; and her master of science degree from Oregon State University. She taught at Church College of Hawaii. She spent a year in the South Pacific doing her dissertation research on Textile Technology receiving her PhD from Utah State University.In 1968 she began a 24 year career at San Jose State University teaching Clothing and Textiles; Technical Writing; and directing the Over-60's Program. She was a member of Mortarboard Service Organization, American College Professors of Textiles and Clothing, American Home Economics Association, and president of Bay District California Home Economics Association from 1992-94. She was a recognized authority on bark cloth. Her fine collection of rare cloth samples has been donated to the San Jose Historical Museum. She was a life-long active member of the LDS Church. She was married to Willard Coffee June 14, 1969. He preceded her in death in January, 1989.
She is survived by two brothers and one sister: Farrell H. Christensen, Fairbanks, Alaska; Don Christensen, Bartlesville, Okla.; Una Christensen, Salt Lake City, Utah; 10 nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Clair M. Christensen and E. Dean Christensen.
Funeral services and interment were in Richfield.
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